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A court official has thrown out Drake's legal claim against the music corporation over Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us.

Presiding Judge the court’s judge determined that Lamar's song lyrics, which accused the artist and his associates of being "pedophiles", were "nonactionable opinion" and could not be considered defamatory.

Drake submitted the legal action in early this year, claiming UMG, the music company representing both artists, of defamatory conduct by allowing the track to be released and promoted, saying it spread a "untrue and harmful story".

Drake's spokesperson stated he planned to appeal the decision. Universal Music Group said it was pleased with the outcome and was eager to resuming its work with the rapper.

Context of the Hip-Hop Feud

Not Like Us, which was initially released in spring 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an continuing feud between the rival rappers.

It has emerged as the biggest hit of the rapper’s career, having won five Grammys and being one of the most-talked about moments of his Super Bowl half-time show in early 2025.

In a 38-page order, Judge Vargas called the row between the rappers "the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history".

"The artists' seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the focus of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the judge noted.

"While the claim that Drake is a child predator is certainly a serious one, the wider backdrop of a intense musical rivalry, with provocative remarks and offensive accusations hurled by each artist, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that 'Not Like Us' imparts truthful statements about the claimant."

She also noted that, in an earlier song, the artist had "challenged Lamar to make the pedophile claims" that appeared in the diss record.

On the song his own release, the rapper used the AI-generated voice of the late rapper to suggest strategies on how to win the rap battle.

"Suggest he has a preference for minors, consider that a tip," the track proposed.

"Against this backdrop in which such lyrics as 'Hey Drake, I’ve heard you prefer them young' must be evaluated," wrote Judge Vargas.

"The parallel in the phrasing suggests strongly that this line is a clear reference to Drake's lyrics in the earlier release."

'A Slap in the Face to Creatives'

Drake, whose legal name is Aubrey Graham, did not name Lamar in the legal filing.

His lawyers alleged the label of initiating "an effort to create a viral hit" out of a track that made the "false factual allegation that the artist is a criminal paedophile, and to imply that the audience should resort to extra-legal action in response".

Deciding against the plaintiff, the judge said fans would not expect "accurate factual reporting" from a diss track "filled with vulgar language, trash-talking, violent implications, and exaggerated statements."

She highlighted that the rapper himself had engaged in similar language, referencing a line in which the star "heavily" implied that "his opponent is a spouse beater", and another where he "raps that he 'was told' that one of his rival’s sons may not be his biological offspring."

Concerning the track in question, Judge Vargas said: "Even seemingly factual claims may take on the nature of statements of opinion... when made in open discourse, intense arguments, or other circumstances in which an audience may expect the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole."

Reacting to the dismissal, a UMG spokesperson said: "From the outset, this case was an affront to every creative and their artistic freedom and should not have been filed."

"We're pleased with the judge’s ruling and look forward to continuing our partnership effectively promoting Drake's music and supporting his artistic path," the spokesperson continued.

A spokesperson for Drake said the artist intended to contest the ruling, "and we look forward to the appellate court examining it".

Kendrick Lamar has not yet issue a statement on the case.